DROUGHT in NAMIBIA
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Following a prolonged dry period during the 2012/13 cropping season (November-June), Namibia's main cereal crop output for 2013 is expected to suffer a severe decline. In some parts, the cumulative rains between January and March were approximately one-third of the average and a 50 per cent below average cereal production is expected. Livestock conditions are also deteriorating due to lack of water. (FAO, 15 Apr 2013)
On 17 May, the President declared an emergency situation in the country as a result of drought and appealed to the international community for assistance (Speech President Pohamba, 17 May 2013).
Over 300,000 people have been classified as food insecure and over 4,000 livestock have died (New Era, 20 May 2013). source: relief web
Also see: NNFU welcomes drought declaration
The Namibian National Farmers Union (NNFU) has wholeheartedly welcomed the declaration of a nationwide drought emergency by the president.
President Hifikepunye Pohamba’s declaration demonstrated the urgency and severity of the drought and how committed government is to assisting the affected to ensure no life is lost, according to a statement by the NNFU. While praising government for its commitment, the executive director of the NNFU, Oloff Munjanu, said the NNFU is of the opinion that the process was slow and delayed since the declaration should have been issued long ago. more...